Five individuals sustained injuries following a collision with a group of people by a driver in France on Wednesday morning. The driver, a 35-year-old French citizen, then tried to ignite the vehicle, as per reports from French media. When apprehended, he reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”), stated the public prosecutor for La Rochelle.
Of the victims, a 22-year-old woman and a 69-year-old cyclist are currently in critical condition, as detailed in local sources. Law enforcement officials do not consider the incident a terrorist act, attributing the driver’s actions to “psychiatric problems,” as mentioned by the public prosecutor.
Statements condemning the attack have been issued by various politicians. Philippe Ballard, a Member of the National Assembly for Oise’s 2nd constituency, expressed sympathy towards the victims and praised law enforcement for their swift response. Manuel Bompard, a Member of the National Assembly for Bouches-du-Rhône’s 4th constituency, extended well wishes to the injured and their families. Manon Aubry, a Member of European Parliament, conveyed solidarity with the victims and lauded the efforts of public servants.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who visited the scene, commended the response efforts and expressed support for the affected individuals. The driver, known for prior criminal incidents related to substance abuse, had no ties to terrorism according to investigators.
Jordan Bardella from the National Rally criticized the driver’s actions and voiced support for the injured. Subsequent testing for alcohol on the driver yielded negative results, confirmed by a local police spokesperson. The driver, a local resident with a history of minor legal issues due to substance misuse, was taken into custody after the incident.
The incident occurred on a country road where the driver was reported to have yelled “Allahu Akbar” during the attack and subsequent arrest. Despite initial speculations, authorities have initiated a criminal investigation for “attempted murder” rather than terrorism-related charges.
A senior parliamentary aide from the National Rally was among those severely injured in the attack, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. The injured individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 67, hail from Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron and Dolus-d’Oléron.
Photographs depicting the burnt-out car used in the incident have been released, showcasing the aftermath of the attack. Emergency service personnel swiftly responded to the scene, highlighting the coordinated efforts in managing the situation.
The driver, apprehended near the attack location, was a resident of a nearby village. Thibault Brechkoff, the Mayor of Dolus-d’Oléron, shared updates on the emergency response and confirmed the driver’s arrest.
The serene Ile d’Oléron, a popular destination for tourists, was the backdrop of this unfortunate event. Known for its natural beauty and recreational activities, the island witnessed a tragic incident that prompted swift responses from authorities and outpourings of support from political figures.
